Oil, gas expo is set for April 24

March 3, 2013

ST. CLAIRSVILLE - The Ohio Valley Regional Oil & Gas Expo will be held April 24 at the James E. Carnes Center in St. Clairsville.

Sponsored by the Belmont County commissioners and the Belmont County Port Authority, the one-day business-to-business event is designed to promote the growth and stability of the oil and gas industry in the Ohio Valley.

An exhibitors-only reception will be held the evening of April 23, giving sponsors and exhibitors an opportunity to network in a relaxed, casual atmosphere prior to the main event.

Last year the number of available booths had to be doubled to accommodate exhibitor interest.

"The response last year was so overwhelmingly positive and the event was greeted with such enthusiasm, there was no question that we would host another expo in 2013," Belmont County Commissioner Ginny Favede said.

Port Authority Director Larry Merry said he was intrigued at how many nonshale companies wanted to be part of last year's expo.

"It was encouraging to walk through the event last year and see that not only did we have oil and gas companies meeting and generating business, but also banks, insurance companies, marketing firms and other companies exhibiting their services," Merry said. "It shows that the oil and gas industry has the breadth and the reach to impact the local economy in more ways than just leasing and drilling."

They plan to make the expo an annual event.

"Last year the oil and natural gas drilling industry was new to Belmont County," Favede said. "Now that we've seen more of what the industry has to offer, we're also seeing significant growth in industry overall. It's an exciting time for Belmont County."

For information about the Ohio Valley Regional Oil and Gas Expo, visit www.ohiovalleyoilgasexpo.com or call the expo office at (304) 777-2648.